A judge who has publicly criticized and argued with former President Donald Trump has been appointed to handle proceedings relating to the Jeffrey Epstein case, putting him under further legal pressure. The assignment may make it much more difficult for Trump to oversee the well-publicized hearings, according to legal experts.

The judge in question has a lengthy record of decisions that Trump’s detractors claim show independence and a readiness to hold influential people responsible. It feels like a personal setback to Trump’s legal approach because he has previously called the judge biased and challenging.

The Epstein case is still under a lot of public scrutiny, according to observers, with media and social media attention highlighting every development. The strain is only increased by the fact that Trump has publicly disagreed with the judge presiding over related cases, which might limit his options and increase the stakes for his legal staff.

Given that Trump has spent years disparaging judges and courts that have rendered decisions against him, political observers think the assignment is a clear case of “karma” coming full circle. As the Epstein-related processes continue, the development may pose a significant challenge for Trump and keep him in the public and legal limelight.